Ground loop reduction apparatus

Abstract

A voltage probe holster includes a support member disposed on a base. The support member defines a plurality of apertures sized to receive a plurality of single-ended probes having coaxial leads. Each of the apertures have a conductive periphery configured to conduct electricity from one of the coaxial leads such that a common ground loop through the support member and the base is formed and that differences in ground potential are reduced.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A voltage probe holster comprising:
 a support member disposed on a base and defining a plurality of apertures sized to receive a plurality of single-ended probes having coaxial leads, each of the apertures having a conductive periphery configured to conduct electricity from one of the coaxial leads such that a common ground loop through the support member and the base is formed and that differences in ground potential are reduced. 
 
     
     
       2. The holster of  claim 1  further comprising test jacks retained by the apertures interconnecting the one of the coaxial leads to the support member. 
     
     
       3. The holster of  claim 2 , wherein the test jacks are secured by nuts and an interference fit with the one of the coaxial leads. 
     
     
       4. The holster of  claim 2 , wherein the test jacks and the one of the coaxial leads have an interference fit. 
     
     
       5. The holster of  claim 1 , wherein a portion of the support member is perpendicular to the base. 
     
     
       6. The holster of  claim 1 , wherein the support member and base are copper. 
     
     
       7. The holster of  claim 6 , wherein the support member is brazed to the base. 
     
     
       8. The holster of  claim 6 , wherein the base and support member are gold-plated. 
     
     
       9. The holster of  claim 1 , wherein the base and support member are unitary. 
     
     
       10. The holster of  claim 1 , wherein the apertures are only accessible from one side of the base. 
     
     
       11. The holster of  claim 1 , wherein the apertures are arranged in a line. 
     
     
       12. The holster of  claim 1 , wherein the apertures form vertices of a triangle. 
     
     
       13. A voltage probe holster comprising: a conductive base; and
 a gold-plated support member brazed to the conductive base and defining a plurality of apertures sized to receive a plurality of single-ended probes having coaxial leads, each of the apertures having a conductive periphery configured to conduct electricity from one of the coaxial leads such that a common ground loop through the support member and the base is formed and that differences in ground potential are reduced. 
 
     
     
       14. The holster of  claim 13  further comprising test jacks retained by the apertures interconnecting the one of the coaxial leads to the support member. 
     
     
       15. The holster of  claim 14 , wherein the test jacks are secured by nuts and interference fit with the one of the coaxial leads. 
     
     
       16. The holster of  claim 13 , wherein a portion of the gold-plated support member is perpendicular to the base. 
     
     
       17. A voltage probe holster comprising: a ground plate; and
 a nonconductive support member coupled to the plate and defining a plurality of probe apertures sized to receive a plurality of single-ended probes having coaxial leads, each of the probe apertures having a conductive periphery configured to conduct electricity from one of the coaxial leads, each conductive periphery being connected by at least one conductive path disposed on the support member such that a common ground loop through the nonconductive support member is formed and that differences in ground potential are reduced. 
 
     
     
       18. The holster of  claim 17 , wherein the plate defines a ground aperture sized to receive a ground pin of a power module. 
     
     
       19. The holster of  claim 17  further comprising test jacks retained by the probe apertures interconnecting the one of the coaxial leads to the nonconductive support member. 
     
     
       20. The holster of  claim 19 , wherein the test jacks are secured by nuts and interference fit with the one of the coaxial leads.